best wishes

You will mostly see this at the end of emails or cards. It acts as a bridge between a message and your name. You can also say it out loud when someone is leaving. Just drop it in before you walk away. It is like leaving a little gift of kindness behind.

Use it when a friend starts a new job. It is perfect for wedding cards or birthday notes. If a colleague is moving to a different city, say it then. It works well in professional emails where you want to be nice but not too emotional. It is the 'Goldilocks' of phrases—not too cold, not too hot.

Do not use it during a serious argument or a breakup. That would feel very sarcastic and cold! Avoid it if someone is telling you about a deep tragedy. In those cases, I am so sorry is much better. Also, do not use it with your best friend in a casual text. It might sound like you are suddenly becoming a robot.

This phrase has been a staple of English correspondence for centuries. It comes from a time when letters were the only way to communicate. People wanted to end their messages with a sign of goodwill. In Western culture, it is considered a safe, classy way to show you care without being overly dramatic. It is the ultimate 'polite society' sign-off.

You might hear All the best which is a bit more casual. Warm wishes is a little more personal and cozy. In very formal settings, people might use With best wishes. If you are in a rush, some people just write Best. But be careful, as Best can sometimes feel a bit short or dismissive if the person doesn't know you well.